Heat big man Udonis Haslem announced today that he intends to return to the franchise for at least one more season, according to Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel.
Haslem, 40, has been a member of the Heat since 2003, having made his debut with the team over 17 years ago. During that time, he has appeared in 858 regular season games for Miami, plus another 147 postseason contests. He has won three titles with the organization, averaging 7.6 PPG and 6.7 RPG for his career.
In recent years, Haslem’s on-court role has declined significantly. In 2019/20, he appeared in just four regular season games, logging a total of 44 minutes. It was the fourth straight year in which he has played no more than 130 minutes.
However, the Heat value Haslem’s veteran leadership and presence on the bench, and appear willing to continue to signing him to one-year, minimum-salary contracts as long as he wants to continue his career.
According to Winderman (Twitter link), Haslem said today that he still thinks he can contribute, but won’t push for minutes. The veteran declined to say whether or not 2020/21 will be his final season, tweets Winderman.
Now that Vince Carter has retired, Haslem may begin the ’20/21 campaign as the NBA’s oldest player, unless Jamal Crawford or another veteran free agent in his 40s signs a new contract.
S**t, I would to if I can collect million dollar checks and live in Miami. I’d ride that wave out for as long as I can.
I don’t know how often it’s happened in the history of the NBA that a player has appeared in OVER a thousand games for a single franchise, but that’s impressive!!!
They should retire his jersey now while he’s still playing. Then he can just borrow it once a month when he gets mop up time.
If he was smart he’d test the free agent market and see how much Heat really want him
That wouldn’t be smart. Riley would just say “thank you for an amazing 17 years dont let the door hit you on the way out!”
I don’t think he gets $1 over the minimum anywhere
I was joking kidding
Make him a coach already he’s taking up a roster spot
A roster spot taken from whom? Gave Vincent?
Give me a break.
Gabe*
“I am the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat is me.” ~ UD
This will go down as among the most iconic quotes in Miami Heat history ……. along with Meyers Leonard’s “Let’s Go” chants.